Use Of Low-level Laser Therapy Research Articles

Comparison of Tecar Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy Separately and Simultaneously on Clinical Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A 3-Month Follow-up Study

Background: Distal peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent issue among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the widespread use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and limited use of Tecar therapy in physiotherapy for diabetics, the synergistic effect of these two interventions in a long-term follow-up has not yet been determined. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of Tecar therapy and LLLT separately and simultaneously over a 3-month follow-up period on clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes and DPN. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, forty-five individuals with type 2 diabetes (30 women and 15 men) with DPN were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 people: Tecar-on + laser-sham, Tecar-on + laser-on, and laser-on + Tecar-sham. The patients received ten treatment sessions and were followed up for 3-months after the last session. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire, while clinical symptoms, including pain (measured with a Visual Analog Scale), functional balance (evaluated with the timed-up and go test), and neuropathy symptoms (assessed with the Michigan Questionnaire) were also recorded. Results: Inter-group comparison after ten sessions revealed that the Tecar-on + laser-sham and Tecar-on + laser-on groups exhibited significant improvement in neuropathy symptoms compared to the laser-on + Tecar-sham group. Even after the 3-month follow-up, these two groups showed lasting improvement in all variables compared to the laser-on + Tecar-sham group (P < 0.05). The Tecar-on + laser-on group demonstrated a more enduring significant effect on pain scores (P = 0.035) compared to the Tecar-on + laser-sham group after the 3-month follow-up. In intra-group comparison, all three groups showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life after ten treatment sessions compared to before treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, after the 3-month follow-up, both the Tecar-on + laser-sham group and the Tecar-on + laser-on group demonstrated a more lasting significant effect in all variables compared to before treatment (P < 0.05). For the laser-on + Tecar-sham group, a more durable improvement in health-related quality of life (P = 0.000) and neuropathy symptoms (P = 0.011) was reported after the 3-month follow-up compared to before treatment. Conclusions: Although all three groups exhibited significant improvement in clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes and DPN after ten treatment sessions, the synergistic use of Tecar therapy and LLLT after a long-term follow-up period could lead to more durable therapeutic effects in improving these outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

A Randomized Controlled, Single-Observer Blinded Study on the Safety and Efficacy of a Combination of 678nm Helmet-Type Low-level Laser Therapy and Topical Minoxidil 5% Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% Alone in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Male pattern androgenetic alopecia is a chronic, progressive condition with significant social and psychological impact. Few preliminary researches have been done on the role of low-level laser therapy as a treatment modality for male pattern hair loss. This is a randomized, controlled, single-observer blinded clinical trial conducted from November 2019 to October 2021 at the East Avenue Medical Center Dermatology Out-Patient Department on the use of low-level laser therapy and topical minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Twenty-four male adults with Norwood Hamilton Hair Loss Scale of IIa to V were randomly assigned into 2 groups: a control group (monotherapy with topical minoxidil 5%) and a treatment group (678 nm helmet-type low-level laser therapy and topical minoxidil 5%). A statistically significant higher increase in hair density was observed in the treatment group (14.58 and 15.08 for the right and left sides, respectively) compared to the control (5.83 on the right and 5.50 on the left, respectively, p=.000 <.05). In addition, the investigator’s global photographic assessment and patient satisfaction were also significantly higher. Both treatments were well tolerated. The results of this study show that 678 nm helmet-type low-level laser therapy is an effective adjunctive treatment modality to topical minoxidil 5% solution for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia.

A brief literature review of low-level laser therapy for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and confirmation of its effectiveness.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a steadily progressive course due to the death of central and peripheral motor neurons responsible for voluntary movements. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment method unique in its universality and efficacy, particularly for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the effect and application of LLLT in the treatment of ALS. A literature search for English and Russian publications for the keywords "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis", "Low-Level Laser Therapy" was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) databases. The article provided a brief literature review, substantiated the potential use of low-level laser therapy for ALS. The particular techniques of LLLT were developed. Based on the results of several studies and many years of successful experience with low-level laser therapy in Russia we conclude that a LLLT technique, including intravenous laser blood illumination (ILBI), noninvasive laser blood illumination (NLBI), and local exposure, is a promising treatment method for ALS.

Low-level laser therapy combined with scleral graft transplantation in the treatment of contracted socket: a clinical study

ObjectiveTo analyse the efficacy of the therapeutic use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the tissue repair process of allogeneic scleral grafts in patients with contracted sockets by analysing the speed of graft vascularisation and fornice depth of contraction percentage.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed from April 2015 to April 2021 including 39patients with socket contraction. Allogeneic scleral grafts were used to repair the sockets in all patients. They were randomly enrolled into two groups. The laser group included 18 patients treated with LLLT after the surgery, whereas the control group included 21 patients without LLLT after the surgery who healed naturally. The LLLT equipment used in the research had a wavelength of 650 nm, 10 mW power, and 3.8 J/cm2 dosimetry, and the procedure was performed once daily for 5 min over 7 days, beginning 1 week postoperatively. All patients were followed up over 6 months to examine the changes in the size of the area of the non-vascularised graft and upper and inferior fornice depth.ResultsThe laser group presented a significantly increased speed of conjunctival vascularisation compared with the control group (P = 0.003). The fornice depth of contraction percentage was more apparent in the control group than that in the laser group (P = 0.000).ConclusionLLLT accelerates conjunctival vascularisation, stimulates conjunctival incision healing within a short period, shortens the tissue repair process, reduces the local inflammatory response, and causes no significant shrinkage of the conjunctival sac.

Low-Level Laser Therapy for Acute Pain: A Comprehensive Review.

An analysis of data conducted in 2015 by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that an estimated 25.3 million adults (11.2%) have experienced pain every day for the preceding 3months, and nearly 40 million adults (17.6%) have experienced a severe level of pain. Multiple reviews have analyzed the current management of acute pain; however, much of the current literature only focuses on pharmacological methods of analgesia, such as opiates, ketamine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Publications that discuss non-pharmacological options often criticize the limitations of available research for these therapies, making further exploration of this type of treatment necessary. The present investigation aims to summarize current knowledge on the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a cold laser non-pharmacological approach, in managing acute pain and to discuss important clinical findings and considerations when it comes to utilizing this treatment option in patients.

Combined treatment of idiopathic male infertility using low-intensity laser therapy and complex prostate peptides: single-centre experience

Introduction. The study of effective and safe combined methods of conservative treatment of idiopathic male infertility is of great interest.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the infrared (IR) spectrum and bioregulatory therapy with complex prostate peptides on the semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDNAF) in men with idiopathic infertility.Materials & methods. The study is based on the results of examination and treatment of 97 men with idiopathic infertility. Prior to the start of treatment, all patients were divided into three groups by randomization. Patients in group 1 (n = 34) underwent a course of LLLT in the IR spectrum consisting of 10 procedures q.o.d. Patients in group 2 (n = 31) were prescribed complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment after 5 days. Patients in group 3 (n = 32) underwent combined treatment: LLLT sessions in the IR spectrum (10 procedures q.o.d.) and a course of Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment with peptides according to the same scheme after 5 days. Control examination of patients in all groups was carried out two months after the end of treatment.Results. As a result of treatment of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, a significant improvement in the main semen parameters, a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF, an increase in serum total and free testosterone concentration (p < 0.05) were observed. A comparative statistical analysis of the results obtained in three groups of patients showed that the combined treatment of patients of group 3, who were prescribed a course of LLLT in combination with complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC, was significantly more effective in improving concentration (p < 0.01) and progressive sperm motility (p < 0.01), as well as a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF (p < 0.05), than in groups 1 and 2.Conclusion. Combined therapy that includes complex prostate peptides and LLLT in the IR spectrum improves the main semen parameters and reduces the grade of pathological SDNAF in men with idiopathic infertility.

The Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LL LT) in the Symptomatic Treatment of Vulvar Cancer IV st.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a malignant tumor originating from keratinocytes in the epidermis, which seriously affects people's life safety. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that help maintain protein stability and are involved in tumor activities. However, there is currently no systematic study of HSPs in CSCC. In this study, we used qPCR and WB to explore the expression of 14 HSPs at mRNA and protein levels in human immortalized keratinocytes HACAT cells, human CSCC cell lines COLO-16 and SCL-1 cells, and collected human CSCC samples for histological verification. Eventually, we found that the expression levels of different HSPs in CSCC were different. HSPB6, HSPB8 and HSPB11 showed no dysregulation in CSCC. HSPB4, HSPB5, HSPB7, HSPB10 and HSP40 were significantly upregulated in CSCC cells, while HSPB1, HSPB9, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 and HSP100 were significantly downregulated. In summary, we validated the expression of 14 common HSPs in CSCC, which may lay the foundation for the study of HSPs in CSCC.

Effects of Photobiomodulation Using Low-Level Laser Therapy on Alveolar Bone Repair

Alveolar bone repair is a complex and extremely important process, so that functions such as the mastication, occlusion and osseointegration of implants can be properly reestablished. Therefore, in order to optimize this process, many procedures have been used, such as grafting with biomaterials and the application of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Another method that has been studied is the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) with the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which, through the absorption of photons by the tissue, triggers photochemical mechanisms in the cells so that they start to act in the search for homeostasis of the affected region. Therefore, the objective of this review was to analyze the use of LLLT as a possible auxiliary tool in the alveolar bone repair process. A search was carried out in scientific databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane) regarding the following descriptors: “low-level laser therapy AND alveolar bone repair” and “photobiomodulation AND alveolar bone repair”. Eighteen studies were selected for detailed analysis, after excluding duplicates and articles that did not meet predetermined inclusion or non-inclusion criteria. According to the studies, it has been seen that LLLT promotes the acceleration of alveolar repair due to the stimulation of ATP production, activation of transcription and growth factors, attenuation of the inflammatory process and induction of angiogenesis. These factors depend on the laser application protocol, and the Gallium Aluminum Arsenide—GaAlAs laser, with a wavelength of 830 nm, was the most used and, when applications of different energy densities were compared, the highest dosages showed themselves to be more efficient. Thus, it was possible to conclude that PBM with LLLT has beneficial effects on the alveolar bone repair process due to its ability to reduce pain, the inflammatory process, induce vascular sprouting and, consequently, accelerate the formation of a new bone matrix, favoring the maintenance or increase in height and/or thickness of the alveolar bone ridge.

Role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on skin graft donor site

The management of wound starts from acute stage and extends up to augmentation of scar tissue remodeling. The clinician seeks to optimize wound care to promote healing. Many authors of clinical studies have reported the benefits of LLLT on tissue healing. We report the use of Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on skin graft donor site as a regenerative therapy for augmenting the wound healing.

Clinical application of low-level laser therapy (Photo-biomodulation therapy) in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review

BackgroundBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a frequent issue that arises after mastectomy surgery in women and compromises physical and mental function. Previously published studies have shown positive effects with the use of Low-level laser therapy in another term Photo-biomodulation therapy (PBM). This research investigated the efficacy of clinical use of LLLT (PBM) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer-related lymphedema.MethodsPubMed, PEDro, Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched for LLLT clinical trials published before October 2021. The methodological quality of randomized trials and the effectiveness of Laser Therapy for BCRL were evaluated. The primary objectives were arm circumference or arm volume, whereas the secondary goals were to assess shoulder mobility and pain severity.ResultsEight clinical trials were analyzed in total. Typically, the included RCTs had good research quality. At four weeks, there was a considerable reduction in arm circumference/volume, and this continued with long-term follow-up. However, no statistically significant change in shoulder mobility or pain severity was seen between the laser and placebo groups at 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-month short-term follow-up.ConclusionsThe findings of this comprehensive study demonstrated that LLLT (PBM) was successful in diminishing arm circumference and volume than improving shoulder mobility and pain. Data indicates that laser therapy (PBM) may be a beneficial treatment option for females with PML. Because of the scarcity of evidence, there is a strong need for well-conducted and longer-duration trials in this field.Trial registrationDetails of the protocol for this systematic review were registered on PROSPERO and can be accessed at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42022315076.

The Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy Combined with Single Flap Periodontal Surgery in the Management of Intrabony Periodontal Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed at assessing the clinical outcomes of the Single Flap Approach (SFA) with the additional use of Low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The defects were treated as per the principles of SFA, whereby 20 defects received only SFA (control group) and 20 defects received additional LLLT for bio stimulation/bio modulation (test group). Stable primary closure of the flaps was obtained with vertical internal mattress sutures. Plaque indices (FMPS), clinical attachment levels (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), and gingival bleeding scores (FMBS) were calculated at baseline, and at the 3rd and 6th months in both groups. An EHI score of 1 was observed at all sites except for two, where a score of 2 in the control group at week 2 was observed. In the test group, the PPD reduction at 6 months was 3.60 ± 0.95 and in the control group it was 3.75 ± 0.91 mm. CAL gain at 6 months was 2.70 ± 1.36 mm and 3.45 ± 1.2 mm in the test group and showed no statistical significance. These data suggested the positive effect of LLLT over CAL gain; thus, LLLT may be combined with SFA to potentially enhance the early wound healing and higher clinical outcomes in terms of increase in CAL and decrease in PPD.

Effects of moderate aerobic exercise, low-level laser therapy, or their combination on muscles pathology, oxidative stress and irisin levels in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

This study aimed to investigate how the combined use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and exercise, to reduce the possible side effects and/or increase the benefits of exercise, would affect oxidative stress, utrophin, irisin peptide, and skeletal, diaphragmatic, and cardiac muscle pathologies. In our study, 20 mdx mice were divided into four groups. Groups; sedentary and placebo LLLT (SC), sedentary and LLLT (SL), 30-min swimming exercise (Ex), and 30-min swimming exercise and LLLT (ExL). After 8weeks of swimming exercise, muscle tests, biochemically; oxidative stress index (OSI), utrophin and irisin levels were measured. Skeletal, diaphragmatic and cardiac muscle histopathological scores, skeletal and cardiac muscle myocyte diameters were determined under the light and electron microscope. While only irisin levels were increased in group SL compared to SC, it was determined that OSI, heart muscle histopathological scores decreased and irisin levels increased in both exercise groups (p < 0.05). In addition, in the ExL group, an increase in rotarod and utrophin levels, and a decrease in muscle and diaphragm muscle histopathological scores were observed (p < 0.05). It was determined that the application of swimming exercise in the mdx mouse model increased the irisin level in the skeletal muscle, while reducing the OSI, degeneration in the heart muscle, inflammation and cardiopathy. When LLLT was applied in addition to exercise, muscle strength, skeletal muscle utrophin levels increased, and skeletal and diaphragmatic muscle degeneration and inflammation decreased. In addition, it was determined that only LLLT application increased the level of skeletal muscle irisin.

In vivo efficacy of low-level laser therapy on bone regeneration

In clinical use of low-level laser therapy for bone regeneration (LLLT), application protocol (dose, duration, and repetitions) has not been established. This study aimed to depict a reliable dosage of LLLT by evaluating the efficacy of different dosing of LLLT (diode) on the healing of rabbit cranial defects. Critical size defects were prepared in calvarias of 26 New Zealand White Rabbits in such each animal containing both test and control groups. Test groups were irradiated with 4Joule/cm2 (j/cm2), 6 j/cm2, and 8 j/cm2. The rabbits were subjected to six times of laser treatments in 10days. At the end of the second week, 5 rabbits were sacrificed for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. At the 4th and 8th weeks, 20 rabbits (10 each) were sacrificed for micro-CT and histopathological analyses. Micro-CT evaluation revealed improved new bone formation in all test groups compared to the control group. 6 j/cm2 group demonstrated the highest bone formation. The highest bone morphogenic protein -2 levels were found in the 4 j/cm2 group. Osteocalcin expression was significantly higher in 4 j/cm2 group. Our findings indicate that LLLT have a positive effect on new bone formation. The high efficacy of doses of 4 j/cm2 and 6 j/cm2 is promising to promote early bone healing.

Low-level laser periodontal therapy in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial - pilot study

Objectives We aimed to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis and compare the effect on periodontal healing in diabetes mellitus and non-diabetes mellitus patients. Methodology Ten patients with periodontitis stage II grade B were divided into two groups; Group 1 included 5 non-diabetes mellitus patients with periodontitis, and Group 2 included 5 type2 diabetes mellitus patients with periodontitis. A 13 mW low-level laser was used in a continuous wave and non-contact mode as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) in a split-mouth study design “OPTODAN” (Scientific Development and Production Center, Saratov, Russia). The clinical parameters; plaque and gingival index, probing depth, and relative clinical attachment level of the test and control sides of both groups were analyzed at baseline and 1-month post-therapy. Visual analogue scale was used to determine patient discomfort intraoperatively and after 1 week. Results Statistically, significant improvement was evident in the gingival index, probing depth, and relative clinical attachment level when comparing test and control sides in all patients 1-month post-therapy. There was improvement in gingival index amongst type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the test group. However, non-diabetes mellitus patients demonstrated superior results especially in probing depth and relative clinical attachment level. Conclusion The use of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct in periodontal therapy showed overall improvement in gingival inflammation, probing depth, and clinical attachment level. In comparison to non-diabetes mellitus patients, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients demonstrated significant improvement in gingival inflammation with low-level laser therapy.

EFFECTS OF LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY ON LIVER REGENERATION AND THE LASER PARAMETERS EMPLOYED

Low-level laser therapy has various biological effects; one of them is tissue regeneration. Its application in the liver of rats after partial hepatectomy to promote liver regeneration has recently been studied. The aim of this article was to review the recent studies on the effects of low-level laser therapy on rat liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and the laser parameters used. A review of recent relevant literature was performed in Pubmed, Scielo, Medline and Bireme databases. Articles about the application of low-level laser therapy on hepatic regeneration were included. Articles with hepatic regeneration in the presence of pathologies were not included. Nine studies were found matching the study criteria. In most studies, low-level laser therapy promoted liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, without further damage to the remaining liver. Not all laser parameters necessary for the reproducibility of the study were described by all authors. The therapeutic use of low-level laser therapy in liver regeneration can be promising, however, as liver is a vital organ and the laser application is intraoperative, future studies are needed. The parameters used must be properly described and standardized to allow the reproducibility of the study, so that a therapeutic window can be defined and its clinical use can be considered. It is also essential to clarify the mechanisms by which the laser promotes liver regeneration, to guarantee its safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Comparison of the incidence of post-operative pain after low-level laser therapy between single- and multi-visit root canal treatments for chronic apical periodontitis: A prospective randomized clinical trial

Aim: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy, used in conjunction with conventional canal disinfection techniques, on post-operative pain after single- and multi-visit root canal treatments for chronic apical periodontitis.&#x0D; Methodology: 100 volunteers were randomly divided into 4 groups. The main inclusion criteria were radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis (minimum size of 2.0 × 2.0 mm) and a diagnosis of pulpal necrosis confirmed by a negative response to vitality tests. All the root canals were prepared using a standard shaping technique and irrigation procedure. In Groups I and III, the root canals were obturated during the first visit following chemo-mechanical preparation. In Groups II and IV, the root canals were medicated with calcium hydroxide and obturated during a second visit, 1 week later. In Groups III and IV, after the chemo-mechanical preparation, the root canals were additionally irradiated by an 810-nm diode laser at 1.5 W output for 20 seconds. A modified visual analogue scale was used to measure pain at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours and 7 days after the treatment.&#x0D; Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of post-operative pain at any time during the observation period (p &gt; .05). Post-operative pain occurred only at 8 and 12 hours and at 1, 2, and 3 days in all groups. There was no correlation between the results regarding age, gender, periapical index scores, or tooth type.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of low-level laser therapy had no significant effect on the incidence of post-operative pain, and single-visit root canal treatment may be a strong alternative to multi-visit treatment.&#x0D; How to cite this article: Özkan Özcan H, Haznedaroğlu F, Gökyay S. Comparison of the incidence of post-operative pain after low-level laser therapy between single- and multi-visit root canal treatments for chronic apical periodontitis: A prospective randomized clinical trial. Int Dent Res 2021;11(1):30-7. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.no1.6&#x0D; &#x0D; Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Low-level laser therapy in cases of dentin hypersensitivity

Dentin hypersensitivity is characterized by short, sharp pain in response to a stimulus – thermal, drying, tactile, osmotic or chemical. These stimuli cause an unpleasant sensation lasting from seconds to minutes after provocation. Many alternative treatment methods have been introduced. One of the options is the use of low-level laser therapy, whose effect is based on the increase of the excitability threshold of the free nerve endings causing an analgesic effect, as well as on the stimulation of pulp mesenchymal cells to differentiate into odontoblasts and produce reparative dentin. To investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in treating dentin hypersensitivity, we selected a group of patients complaining of sensitivity at the cervical area of teeth provoked by stimuli such as air, touch and cold spray. The patients were with good oral hygiene and with intact teeth or small non-carious cervical lesions. They confirmed the absence of serious systematic and psychological diseases; some of them smoked electronic cigarettes, which may aggravate the pain. The patients were submitted to six sessions of treatment of dentin hypersensitivity with intervals from 48 to 72 hours, as indicated by the manufacturer of the low-intensity laser device. The painful sensation was measured before each of the six sessions and immediately after the treatment. The results were evaluated by using a four-point scale. The answers assessment showed good results – there was a decrease of the pain sensation from 3-4 level to 1-2 level. Yet, we have to interpret this carefully, because pain evaluation is subjective and some of the smokers have quit smoking electronic cigarettes during the treatment. As a method of curing dentin hypersensitivity, the low-level laser therapy shows a good treatment efficacy, but needs further continuous follow-up.

Role of Low-Level Laser Therapy as an Adjunct in the Management of Diabetic Ulcer

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic debilitating condition affecting people worldwide and diabetic foot ulcers are also a common problem. The treatment of diabetic ulcers requires a multimodal approach. Adjuvant low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may be useful in lesions with protracted healing course but the evidence is still limited. In this study, we share our experience regarding the use of low-level laser therapy as an adjuvant treatment modality in a patient with diabetic foot ulcer.

Use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct in treatment with combined therapies in patients with Peripheral Facial Palsy (PFP)

Peripheral Facial Palsy is a neurological disorder that has motor and sensory consequences and affects the facial nerve. It causes alterations in the action of the muscles of the face, in the secretion of saliva, tears, and in the sense of taste. The objective of this publication is to report a case in which a treatment with minimally invasive combined therapies was performed together with the use of low-level laser therapy, in a 52-yearold female patient. With relevant medical history, referred for aesthetic evaluation and with unresolved moderate facial paralysis. She was subjected to laser therapy with wavelength (808 nm) and an energy of 3 Joules per session on the affected side, supplemented with Botulinum Toxin Type A, on the healthy side. The treatment of peripheral facial paralysis with minimally invasive combined therapies has proven to be a useful therapeutic tool for facial sequelae. In turn, low-level laser photobiomodulation therapy is promising as an adjunct in the nerve repair process, which would allow functional recovery of the facial nerve in the medium and long term.

The Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy to Reduce Postoperative Morbidity After Third Molar Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Surgical removal of third molars carries morbidity and significantly affects patients' quality-of-life. This study aims to investigate whether administration of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is effective in reducing postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing surgical removal of mandibular third molars compared with placebo. A systematic review and meta-analysis involving a comprehensive search strategy implemented across 5 electronic databases. This was supplemented by hand searching and contacting international experts and grey literature. Titles, abstracts, and full articles were scrutinized for studies meeting the inclusion criteria. All randomized controlled trials comparing treatment group of LLLT with a placebo control group were eligible for inclusion. The outcomes variables were postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus. Risk of bias and methodological quality assessment was carried out. We pooled data statistically, and meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review, all of which were considered to have a low risk of bias. Participants, aged 13 to 70 years, and 35% women, totaled 1064. Meta-analyses found significant reductions in standardized mean differences (SMDs) in swelling at day 2 and day 7 postoperatively (SMD, -0.611; 95% confidence interval, -0.968, -0.234 and SMD, -0.532; 95% confidence interval, -0.795, -0.269). There were nonsignificant reductions in SMD in pain and trismus at day 2 and day 7 postoperatively. LLLT significantly reduces swelling after extraction of mandibular third molars compared with placebo. LLLT has not shown to reduce postoperative pain and trismus. LLLT does not cause adverse effects. There is currently insufficient evidence available, to promote the investment in LLLT vs the net clinical benefit. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample size and standardized study design and outcome measures are required, to make definitive recommendations to clinicians on its use on patients.